]]>SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS: January 16, 2018 – South Texas Research Accelerated Therapeutics (START) and Sarah Cannon Research Institute announced today a new collaboration to complement and enhance their globally recognized phase I drug development programs. START and Sarah Cannon are each renowned leaders in the field of early phase oncology clinical trials, particularly first-in-human studies. Partnering on the scientific and operational elements of drug development will lead to even greater efficiency in the enrollment, quality and excellence of their clinical research programs.

START would also like to congratulate Amita Patnaik, MD, and Kyriakos Papadopoulos, MD, on their appointment as Co-Directors of Clinical Research. During their 10 years at START, Dr. Patnaik and Dr. Papadopoulos have earned the respect of the global drug development community, Pharma partners, as well as the highly-skilled staff at START. In addition, START is delighted that Drew Rasco, MD, has accepted the position of Associate Director of Clinical Research. Dr. Rasco’s 7 years at START have been highlighted by numerous publications on investigational therapies.

“START and Sarah Cannon share in a mission to advance therapies for patients facing cancer through cutting-edge research and clinical excellence,” said Lon Smith, MD, President and CEO of South Texas Oncology and Hematology, PLLC (STOH) and Manager of START. “Under the leadership of Dr. Patnaik, Dr. Papadopoulos and Dr. Rasco, we look forward to further growing our clinical research initiatives in partnership with a global research network.”

START represents a unique community-based research initiative that has enabled collaboration between cities across the world and has permitted access to novel cancer therapies by patients spanning three continents. In the past decade, START has enrolled more than 6,000 patients onto phase I clinical trials with more than 900 enrolled in 2017. Currently, START’s strategic sites included in the collaboration are located in San Antonio, Texas, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Madrid, Spain, with additional sites planned in the future. START also has centers in Shanghai and Taipei.

“By partnering with the trusted research experts at START, we will further advance our mission to bring the latest therapies through early phase clinical trials into the community,” said Howard A. “Skip” Burris, III, MD, President of Clinical Operations and Chief Medical Officer at Sarah Cannon. “We look forward to the many advancements that will be made through this collaboration, transforming care through clinical research for cancer patients globally.”

Sarah Cannon Research Institute is one of the world’s leading clinical research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials throughout the United States and United Kingdom. Sarah Cannon has been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved therapies over the last decade, enrolling more than 3,000 patients on trials each year and conducting more than 360 first-in-human studies. START and Sarah Cannon represent two of the largest community-based phase I oncology programs in the United States. The strategic partnership between these two centers of excellence will result in the acceleration of drug development both nationally and globally while increasing patient access to novel anticancer agents.

About The START Center for Cancer Care
The mission of the START Center for Cancer Care is to provide the highest-quality care for people with cancer and to help accelerate the development of new treatments in order to improve patients’ quality of life and give them real hope against cancer. In pursuit of this mission, the START centers bring world class care to patients in convenient locations throughout San Antonio, Texas, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Madrid, Spain, Shanghai, China, and Taipei, Taiwan. START has one of the world’s largest and most active Phase I clinical trial programs, giving the START Center access to the most advanced anticancer drugs — access not available at many of the biggest regional cancer institutions. Over the years, START’s researchers have helped bring many promising anticancer drugs to market. For more information, visit startthecure.com.

About Sarah Cannon Research Institute
Sarah Cannon Research Institute is the research arm of HCA Healthcare’s global cancer institute, Sarah Cannon. Focused on advancing therapies for patients, it is one of the world’s leading clinical research organizations conducting community-based clinical trials throughout the United States and United Kingdom. Sarah Cannon’s network of strategic sites includes more than 275 physicians who engage in research. The organization has led more than 360 first-in-man clinical trials since its inception in 1993, and has been a clinical trial leader in the majority of approved cancer therapies over the last 10 years. Additionally, Sarah Cannon offers management, regulatory, and other research support services for drug development and industry sponsors as well as strategic investigator sites through its contract research organization (CRO), Sarah Cannon Development Innovations. For more information, visit sarahcannon.com.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/start-sarah-cannon-partner-advance-therapies-patients-cancer/feed/01304KSAT’s veteran reporter opens up about diagnosishttps://thestartcenter.com/ksats-veteran-reporter-opens-diagnosis/
https://thestartcenter.com/ksats-veteran-reporter-opens-diagnosis/#respondThu, 11 Jan 2018 17:42:34 +0000http://thestartcenter.com/?p=1298As many of you have noticed, one KSAT’s most tenured reporters has been off the air for a little over two months. That changed with this week, when Paul Venema returned to work after successful treatment for throat cancer. Venema has been at KSAT since the 1970s. He was diagnosed with cancer in October and…Read More »

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/ksats-veteran-reporter-opens-diagnosis/feed/01298Cancer Support Groups: What Qualities to Look Forhttps://thestartcenter.com/cancer-support-groups/
https://thestartcenter.com/cancer-support-groups/#respondWed, 13 Dec 2017 19:24:06 +0000http://thestartcenter.com/?p=1295When you or a loved one is suffering from cancer, you may find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Cancer support groups are available to help you connect, share and encourage other people in similar situations. They also enhance the quality of life for people suffering with cancer by giving them a healthy way to…Read More »

]]>When you or a loved one is suffering from cancer, you may find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. Cancer support groups are available to help you connect, share and encourage other people in similar situations. They also enhance the quality of life for people suffering with cancer by giving them a healthy way to overcome feelings of fear, anxiety, loneliness or depression.

How can I find the right cancer support group?

There are a lot of cancer support options, depending on your needs and preferences, so it may take a little time to find just the right one. Here are a few questions to keep in mind while you’re looking:

Is the group sponsored by a cancer center, hospital, or other cancer organization (e.g., American Cancer Society)? Look for one that is affiliated with a reputable organization, so you can be sure you’re getting the quality care you deserve.

Does a trained professional with special knowledge of oncology and/or hematology facilitate the group? You may be surprised to know that many groups have two facilitators: A mental health professional and a medical professional. These are the only groups you’ll want to consider because you’ll get professional support for your mental and physical well-being.

Does the group charge fees or request donations? If so, keep looking. Reputable organizations will never charge you or ask for any monetary donations in exchange for cancer support. If you come across one that does, move on.

What are alternative options to traditional support groups?

If you feel uncomfortable with the notion of a peer-to-peer support groups, you can also look into online support options. However, it is imperative that you do your due diligence to ensure you are joining a virtual support group that is respectable and trustworthy:

Choose a group that is professionally monitored by a social worker, psychologist or medical professional—or all three.

Make sure your interactions are confidential, the support group you select should include a password-protected sign-in.

Any online support group you consider joining should be in some way associated with, or run by, an establishment like the American Cancer Society.

Even if you’re not sure about joining a cancer support group, the skilled oncologists at The START Center for Cancer Care urge you to give it a try. In their experience, most cancer patients who have a social outlet to discuss their treatment and recovery have an easier time managing their treatments. They are also more likely to have a positive outlook on their situation. For compassionate cancer support in San Antonio, contact us at 210-593-5790.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/cancer-support-groups/feed/01295Lung Cancerhttps://thestartcenter.com/lung-cancer/
https://thestartcenter.com/lung-cancer/#respondMon, 27 Nov 2017 20:22:11 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1252Did you know twenty-five percent of lung cancer patients have never smoked? While cigarettes are an undeniable cause of cancer, there are other factors that can put even non-smokers at risk. 3 lesser-known causes of lung cancer Lung cancer can affect anyone, so if you think you’re safe from lung cancer because you’ve never smoked,…Read More »

]]>Did you know twenty-five percent of lung cancer patients have never smoked? While cigarettes are an undeniable cause of cancer, there are other factors that can put even non-smokers at risk.

3 lesser-known causes of lung cancer

Lung cancer can affect anyone, so if you think you’re safe from lung cancer because you’ve never smoked, you may want to think twice. Here are a few lesser-known causes of lung cancer:

Radon exposure
Radon is a naturally occurring, cancer-causing radioactive gas that causes approximately 26 percent of lung cancer deaths among non-smokers. It is often found in rock, soil and surface water and can be found in 1 out of every 15 homes in the U.S.

Asbestos exposureUsed for both a thermal and acoustic insulation throughout the 1950s and 1960s, asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals. Fortunately, it only becomes a health risk if it is disturbed and the fibers are inhaled. Both lung cancer and mesothelioma are associated with asbestos exposure.

Passive smoking
Anyone living with a smoker is approximately 25 percent more likely to develop lung cancer. In fact, second-hand smoke is responsible for more than 3,000 U.S. deaths each year.

Signs and symptoms of lung cancer

Approximately 25 percent of people who have lung cancer will not have any symptoms before they’re diagnosed. By the time a person exhibits signs or symptoms, the lung cancer has often progressed beyond stage 1. Here are a few signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

Coughing not associated with a cold or other respiratory infection

Difficulty swallowing

Dull, persistent chest pain

Hemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is one of the most common signs of lung cancer

Treatment options for lung cancer

Depending on how advanced the lung cancer is, there are different treatment options available:

Radiation therapy – High-powered energy beams from x-rays and protons are used to destroy cancer cells

Targeted drug therapy – A specific set of drugs, called inhibitors, target certain enzymes to help regulate cell growth

Immunology – Certain medications help stimulate the body’s immune system, often used in combination with another treatment

When you need exceptional lung cancer treatment in San Antonio, visit the START Center for Cancer Care. Our mission is to provide the highest-quality care for people with cancer, help accelerate the development of new treatments to improve our patients’ lives and give them real hope against cancer. Contact us at 210-593-5790 to learn how our cancer care services can help you.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/lung-cancer/feed/01252Ovarian Cancer: What You Need to Knowhttps://thestartcenter.com/ovarian-cancer-need-know/
https://thestartcenter.com/ovarian-cancer-need-know/#respondMon, 25 Sep 2017 18:08:26 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1233Ovarian cancer affects approximately 20,000 American women each year and ranks fifth in cancer-related deaths among women. Unfortunately, only 15 percent of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, before the cancer has had a chance to spread. Ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stage; later stages may produce non-specific symptoms that…Read More »

]]>Ovarian cancer affects approximately 20,000 American women each year and ranks fifth in cancer-related deaths among women. Unfortunately, only 15 percent of ovarian cancers are found at an early stage, before the cancer has had a chance to spread. Ovarian cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stage; later stages may produce non-specific symptoms that could be associated with a host of medical conditions (e.g., loss of appetite and weight loss).

Most common ovarian cancers

There are more than 30 types of ovarian cancers, however, there are three types that present most commonly. They include:

Epithelial tumors are responsible for ninety percent of ovarian cancers. It is found on the outside surface of the ovary and typically affects women over the age of 60.

Germ-cell tumors grow in the germ cells, which are responsible for producing reproductive eggs. Though rare, it typically affects teenagers and women in their 20s.

Stromal tumors begin in the supporting tissues of the ovary and — though rare — affect women between 40 and 60 years of age.

How to lower your risk of ovarian cancer

Here are some factors that may reduce your risk of developing ovarian cancer:

Take birth control pills – Women who take oral birth control for more than three years are 30 to 50 percent less likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Breast-feed – The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk of ovarian cancer.

Surgical procedures – Women who have had a hysterectomy and/or tubal ligation may have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Diet – Women who follow a low-fat diet and fill their plates with vegetables and other healthy foods are less likely to develop ovarian cancer.

Treatment options for ovarian cancer

Though this cancer is often diagnosed in later stages, there are treatment options available. The main treatments for ovarian cancer are:

Surgery

Chemotherapy

Hormone therapy

Targeted therapy

Radiation therapy

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer, the skilled cancer specialists at The START Center for Cancer Care are here to help you determine the best treatment options. Contact us to schedule an appointment today at 210-593-5790.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/ovarian-cancer-need-know/feed/01233FDA Expands Use of Treatment That Prevents Hair Loss During Chemotherapyhttps://thestartcenter.com/fda-expands-use-treatment-prevents-hair-loss-chemotherapy/
https://thestartcenter.com/fda-expands-use-treatment-prevents-hair-loss-chemotherapy/#respondMon, 18 Sep 2017 22:05:16 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1230The START Center for Cancer Care was recently featured in an article on News 4 San Antonio about the addition and use of DigniCap® in their treatment facilities. DigniCap is the first and only FDA-cleared scalp cooling system that helps people undergoing chemotherapy to combat one of the most troublesome side effects of cancer treatment…Read More »

]]>The START Center for Cancer Care was recently featured in an article on News 4 San Antonio about the addition and use of DigniCap® in their treatment facilities. DigniCap is the first and only FDA-cleared scalp cooling system that helps people undergoing chemotherapy to combat one of the most troublesome side effects of cancer treatment — hair loss.

What’s more, the START Center is one of the only cancer centers in Texas currently offering DigniCap. Because DigniCap isn’t covered by insurance, the ThriveWell Cancer Foundation is currently providing financial assistance to patients who need it. This makes it possible for many people to have the opportunity to receive this innovative and life-changing treatment.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/fda-expands-use-treatment-prevents-hair-loss-chemotherapy/feed/01230Prostate Cancer Treatmenthttps://thestartcenter.com/prostate-cancer-treatment/
https://thestartcenter.com/prostate-cancer-treatment/#respondMon, 18 Sep 2017 18:02:43 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1228Prostate cancer represents approximately 10 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States. The good news is, approximately 90 percent of all prostate cancer cases are detected early, before the disease has had a chance to spread, so the cure rate is very high. Prostate cancer treatment options Some types of prostate cancer…Read More »

]]>Prostate cancer represents approximately 10 percent of all new cancer diagnoses in the United States. The good news is, approximately 90 percent of all prostate cancer cases are detected early, before the disease has had a chance to spread, so the cure rate is very high.

Prostate cancer treatment options

Some types of prostate cancer grow quite slowly and need monitoring, however, other types of prostate cancer are aggressive and require radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy or other treatments, depending on what’s right for you. The skilled physicians at The START Center for Cancer Care have a few recommended treatments. These include:

Watchful waiting/active surveillance

Surgery

Radiation therapy

Cryotherapy

Hormone therapy

Chemotherapy

Vaccine treatment

Bone-directed treatment

These treatment options are typically used one at a time, although may be combined in some cases.

What to consider when choosing a treatment option

Each treatment option comes with its own set of pros and cons. If given the option, and before deciding on any treatment, here are a few things you should consider:

Is active surveillance something you would be comfortable with, even if it requires frequent follow-up visits to a cancer specialist?

Are you interested in exploring new technology, which may have theoretical advantages, or do you prefer treatment methods that are better proven?

Which potential side effects (e.g., incontinence, impotence, bowel problems) are most worrisome for you?

Are you comfortable without knowing the results of the treatment for a while, as with radiation, or do you think you would want to know right away, as with surgery?

How important are issues like recovery and treatment time?

You are not alone in these decisions. Our skilled cancer specialists are with you each step of the way. However, it is a good idea to be prepared and understand your own personal preferences. If you are interested in scheduling an appointment with one of The START Center for Cancer Care’s highly trained, highly experienced cancer specialists for you or a loved one, please call 210-593-5790. We are eager to treat your prostate cancer and to help improve your quality of life.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/prostate-cancer-treatment/feed/01228Cervical Cancer Treatmenthttps://thestartcenter.com/cervical-cancer-treatment/
https://thestartcenter.com/cervical-cancer-treatment/#respondFri, 15 Sep 2017 22:20:03 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1226Each year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Today, 83 percent of women get a well-woman exam each year to test for uterine or ovarian abnormalities and to screen for cervical cancer. Early cervical cancer typically does not have any outward signs or symptoms, so preventative health screenings are…Read More »

]]>Each year, approximately 13,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with cervical cancer. Today, 83 percent of women get a well-woman exam each year to test for uterine or ovarian abnormalities and to screen for cervical cancer. Early cervical cancer typically does not have any outward signs or symptoms, so preventative health screenings are essential for identifying early warning signs. Screening for cervical cancer is associated with a significant reduction in incidence of and mortality from cervical cancer in women between the ages of 40 and 65.

Cervical cancer treatment options

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cervical cancer, the skilled cancer care team at the START Center for Cancer Care can help you learn about the treatment options available to you. These include:

Cryosurgery is a procedure that uses freezing gas (e.g., liquid nitrogen) to destroy precancerous cells on the cervix.

Loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is a way to remove abnormal tissue from the cervix using a low-voltage electrical current.

Cold knife cone biopsy is a surgery to remove a sample of abnormal tissue from the cervix to help diagnose cancer or pre-cancer cells.

Simple hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the entire uterus and cervix are removed.

Radical hysterectomy is a surgical procedure in which the uterus (and the tissue fibers that hold it in place), cervix and part of the vagina are removed.

Pelvic lymph node dissection is a surgery to remove the lymph nodes from the pelvis.

Radical trachelectomy is a surgery to remove the cervix, upper part of the vagina and lymph nodes in the pelvis.

External beam radiation therapy (EBRT) is the most common form of radiation therapy used to treat cancer. A machine aims high-energy rays from outside the body into the tumor.

Brachytherapy puts a source of radiation in or near the cancer cells in the cervix by inserting a small metal tube, or tandem, into the uterus.

Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that includes medication, or a combination of medication, used to treat cancer.

If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment for you or a loved one with one of START’s highly trained, highly experienced cancer specialists, call 210-593-5790 or use our easy online form.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/cervical-cancer-treatment/feed/01226Kidney Cancer Treatmenthttps://thestartcenter.com/kidney-cancer-treatment/
https://thestartcenter.com/kidney-cancer-treatment/#respondTue, 12 Sep 2017 21:18:17 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1212When you or a loved one is diagnosed with kidney cancer, you want to know your treatment options. As with all cancers, kidney cancer has different levels of severity. Stage I and II cancers are still contained within the kidney and have not metastasized, or spread, to other parts of your body. Stage III kidney…Read More »

]]>When you or a loved one is diagnosed with kidney cancer, you want to know your treatment options. As with all cancers, kidney cancer has different levels of severity. Stage I and II cancers are still contained within the kidney and have not metastasized, or spread, to other parts of your body. Stage III kidney cancer has spread to the lymph nodes or a large vein close to the kidney. If you are diagnosed with Stage IV kidney cancer, this means that the cancer has grown out of the kidney or it has spread to other parts of the body.

Kidney cancer treatment options

Kidney cancer is usually removed with surgery, when possible. Your doctor will perform a partial or full nephrectomy depending on the severity of the cancer. If the cancer has advanced to Stage III, your doctor may need to surgically access the affected vein or lymph node to remove the cancer. Depending on the severity and type of cancer found, more than one type of treatment may be required.

Nephrectomy

During this procedure, your doctor will remove either a part of or your entire affected kidney. Typically a partial nephrectomy can be performed if the tumor measures seven centimeters or smaller.

Ablation and other local therapies

For those who are too sick to have surgery, there are nonsurgical treatment options available:

Cryotherapy injects extremely cold gases into the tumor, creating an ice ball that destroys the tumor.

Radiofrequency ablation injects high-energy radio waves into the tumor to heat the tumor and destroy the cancer cells.

Arterial embolization injects synthetic material (designed to stop the flow of blood) into a nearby artery that feeds the affected kidney. This will cut off the kidney’s blood supply and cause the kidney and tumor to shrink.

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation beams externally to target and kill cancer cells. The treatment is a similar experience to having an x-ray.

Targeted therapies

Several medications have been developed to treat advanced kidney cancer and are often the first line of defense in advanced cases. They can often shrink or slow the growth of the tumor for a time, but they do not appear to cure the cancer.

Immunotherapy

This is a biologic therapy that is used to boost the immune system in order to help the body fight and destroy cancer cells.

We work with you, care for you, educate you and learn from you. A large part of our commitment to providing top-quality cancer care is to also provide the kindness, respect and compassion you deserve. Call the START Center for Cancer Care today at 210-593-5790 to get started.

]]>https://thestartcenter.com/kidney-cancer-treatment/feed/01212The START Center Partners With Wonders & Worries To Help Patients Coping with Cancer Talk to Their Childrenhttps://thestartcenter.com/wonders-worries/
https://thestartcenter.com/wonders-worries/#respondWed, 16 Aug 2017 16:48:44 +0000https://thestartcenter.com/?p=1201The START Center for Cancer Care partnered with Wonders and Worries, a non-profit organization that helps parents with life-threatening illnesses provide support to their children, to open a new office at the START Centers’ San Antonio facility on July 14, 2017. The Wonders & Worries organization, in conjunction with The Children’s Bereavement Center of South…Read More »

]]>The START Center for Cancer Care partnered with Wonders and Worries, a non-profit organization that helps parents with life-threatening illnesses provide support to their children, to open a new office at the START Centers’ San Antonio facility on July 14, 2017.

The Wonders & Worries organization, in conjunction with The Children’s Bereavement Center of South Texas (CBCST), provides professional support for children through a parent’s illness, as well as resources, support and discussion help to parents. Child Life Specialists (CCLS) offer professional support, activities and a safe environment for children to express their feelings. At Wonders & Worries, children will:

Gain age-appropriate understanding of their parent’s illness, treatment and side effects

Experience opportunities to express their feelings related to the changes in their family

Learn resiliency and coping skills that will serve them for a lifetime

If you’re looking for compassionate, high-quality cancer care for your loved one, call the START Center for Cancer Care at 210-593-5790 to schedule an appointment, or use our easy online form. We use the most advanced treatments for cancer and have every aspect of cancer care for your loved one planned and ready.